Middle Ages

the time in European history between classical antiquity and the Italian Renaissance (from about 500 a.d. to about 1350): sometimes restricted to the later part of this period (after 1100) and sometimes extended to 1450 or 1500.

Origin of Middle Ages

1715-1725

1715-25; plural of Middle Age, translation of New LatinMedium Aevum

middle age

noun

1.

the period of human life between youth and old age, sometimes considered as the years between 45 and 65 or thereabout.

Middle Ages definition

The period of European history between ancient and modern times. The Middle Ages began with the Fall of Rome in the fifth century and ended with the Renaissance. The Middle Ages are associated with many beliefs and practices that now seem out of date, such as chivalry, feudalism, the Inquisition, the belief that the sun revolves around the Earth, and a host of popular superstitions. The early Middle Ages are even sometimes called the Dark Ages. The Middle Ages, however, especially in later years, also saw many notable human achievements. Among these were the building of modern nations, such as England and France; increasingly sophisticated and expanded trade; a great advancement of technique in philosophy and theology; some remarkable works of literature (seeThe Canterbury Tales, The Divine Comedy); and the building of magnificent churches (seeChartresandNotre Dame de Paris).